Gurriel Banned 5 Games In 2018 For Racist Gesture At Darvish

HOUSTON (AP) — Yuli Gurriel of the Houston Astros was suspended Saturday for the primary 5 video games of subsequent season for making a racist gesture at Dodgers pitcher Yu Darvish through the World Collection.

Main League Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred introduced the penalty Saturday, a day after Gurriel’s actions throughout Recreation three.

Manfred acknowledged some individuals believed Gurriel ought to have served a direct ban.

“I needed the burden of this self-discipline to fall totally on the wrongdoer,” he stated. “I used to be impressed in my dialog with Yu Darvish by his want to maneuver ahead, and I felt that shifting the suspension to the start of the season would assist in that regard.”

The 33-yr-previous Gurriel, finishing his second season within the main leagues after leaving Cuba, will lose $322,581 of his $12 million wage subsequent yr, which the Astros will donate to charitable causes. The primary baseman will probably be required to bear sensitivity coaching in the course of the offseason.

Gurriel pulled on the corners of his eyes after homering off Darvish throughout Houston’s 5-three win in Recreation three on Friday night time. He additionally used a derogatory Spanish time period in reference to Darvish.

“I made an offensive gesture that was indefensible,” Gurriel stated in a press release launched by the Astros. “I sincerely apologize to everybody that I offended with my actions. I deeply remorse it. I might notably wish to apologize to Yu Darvish, a pitcher that I like and respect. I might additionally wish to apologize to the Dodgers group, the Astros, Main League Baseball and to all followers throughout the sport.”

Stated Manfred: “There isn’t a place in our recreation for the conduct or any conduct just like the conduct we witnessed final night time.”

“There isn’t a excuse or rationalization that makes that sort of conduct acceptable,” he stated.

Manfred determined towards imposing a suspension through the World Collection, which the Astros led 2-1. Recreation four was Saturday night time.

“I perceive that folks might have totally different views. Nevertheless it was my greatest judgment that this timing was applicable,” Manfred stated.

Astros common supervisor Jeff Luhnow stated the workforce was “stunned and disenchanted” by Gurriel’s conduct and supported Manfred’s determination.

“Yuli has all the time demonstrated respectful conduct and is extraordinarily remorseful for his actions,” Luhnow stated. “Appropriately, Yuli has apologized for his gesture. He had no intention of offending anybody, however now acknowledges the perceived offensiveness of his actions.”